I am attempting to help a local resident determine the cause and treatment of a white pine problem.

The pines were planted about 20-25 years ago in a grove on 16' centers as part of an agricultural subsidy program. There are several hundred trees.

For the past year trees have been dying suddenly and randomly. While the trees may be stressed from being planted so tightly, the randomness of which trees are effected seems to suggest a pest. The owner has removed about thirty trees so far, and yet the problem continues to persist.

Any information you can provide regarding pests or experts to contact is appreciated. thank you

Hi Stephen, Unfortunately we have been seeing problems with white pines over the last ten years or so. For the most part white pines don't have a lot of infectious pest problems. They are resistant to pine wilt that devastates scots pine and dont seem to get teh needle blights that effect other pines. after numurous samples sent to the UI plant clinic the only common thread is root death. however no primary pathogens have been found. the other common thread is problems with clay soils and wet soils. here is an article I wrote about the issue that may help. http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign/homeowners/010526.html I would also suggest the owner send in samples to the UI plant clinic when it opens the first of May. http://plantclinic.cropsci.illinois.edu/ Hope this helps, Sandy